HODGDON, Maine — A penalty kick in the game’s final two minutes Thursday afternoon resulted in No. 10 Easton upsetting No. 7 Hodgdon in a Class D North preliminary playoff game.
Easton was awarded a penalty kick with 2:08 remaining on after a handball call inside the penalty area after a brief scrum in front of the net. Easton’s Collin Sotomayor booted the penalty kick into the upper-left corner to break a 1-1 tie and held on for the 2-1 victory.
With the win, the Bears advanced to Tuesday’s quarterfinal contest against No. 2 Bangor Christian.
“We felt like we had a good chance coming into this game,” Easton coach Ryan Shaw said. “We wanted to not overcommit on defense and the biggest thing is when we pass the ball short, we do well.”
Hodgdon coach Rob Smith said losing on a penalty kick late in the game was a tough way for a season to end.
“We have five seniors, so it’s a tough way for their season to come to an end,” he said. “But on the positive side, this is one of the few home games ever in soccer for the boys. That is something we can be proud of.”
Easton struck first when Sotomayor booted in a goal with 22:30 to play off a through pass from Isaac Currier.
The Hawks finally got on the scoreboard with a penalty kick of their own in the opening minute of the second half as Dylan Oliver converted the PK to knot the game at 1-1 following a handball call inside the penalty area.
“We actually worked on our PKs in practice yesterday, because you never know if that will be an element in the game” coach Smith said.
Easton goalie Jake Flewelling made five saves on seven shots for the Bears, while Wyatt Foster made 20 saves on 24 shots. Flewelling played an exceptional game for the Bears showcasing a strong leg on goal kicks that often soared well beyond midfield.
“Jake is one of the smartest players I have ever had,” coach Shaw said. “He’s aggressive and when he goes for it, he’s all in.”
